Our Processes – Full Disclosure
The information below is provided in order to give our clients a clear and transparent look at how we care for dogs every day. Our practices are built on more than 23 years of experience, trusted veterinary relationships, and a commitment to providing the safest, healthiest, and happiest environment possible.
Dogs at Camp complies with all kennel licensing requirements from Scugog Township and undergoes annual inspections, all of which we have consistently passed. We were also recently inspected by the Ontario Department of Animal Welfare, which confirmed our outstanding standards of care.
Dog Injury, Illness, Medications, and Health Checks
On a daily basis, all dogs in our care receive a “health check inspection” by staff. This means we physically check over each dog from head to toe. If any concern is found during these checks—or at any point during the 12 hours that we are with the dogs daily—we address it immediately.
We keep a wide range of first-aid products on hand, many purchased directly from the veterinary clinic. Examples include DermaGel, Chlorhexidine shampoos, eye and ear flushes and drops, topical gels, paw wraps, medical cones, Epsom salts, probiotics, moisturizers, and more. These checks and treatments are standard practice for our clients, and we schedule hours each day to ensure they are completed.
In the case of injury or illness that requires veterinary attention, we work closely with the Uxbridge Veterinary Hospital, a relationship we have maintained for more than 20 years. We do not hesitate to bring a dog to the clinic for treatment if warranted, and we remain in immediate contact with owners throughout the process.
We also administer pre-existing medications as required, following owners’ instructions closely. Medication sheets are completed for each dog, with written instructions and sign-offs at designated times by staff to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Dog Ratio to Staff Numbers
At Camp, we employ an average of 12–15 staff members at any given time. Staffing is scheduled based on a ratio of approximately 1 staff member to 10–13 dogs, depending on the nature of the group that day.
We also overlap staffing during peak hours, often resulting in us being “overstaffed” so that we can attend to extra services and other duties. Additionally, an “on-call” staff member is scheduled daily to ensure we are never understaffed, even in emergencies. This level of coverage exceeds typical kennel standards and is maintained for at least 12 hours a day, every day of the year.
We never take more dogs than can be safely and comfortably housed or supervised. As a result, we sometimes create waitlists and turn clients away during peak demand periods.
We also make every effort to support our staff with positive scheduling practices. Each team member is asked about their ideal hours and workload preferences, with some choosing part-time schedules and others preferring full-time. We strive to maintain a supportive, flexible, and positive work environment, which directly benefits the quality of care provided to the dogs.
Pack Management Tools and Practices
Dogs at Camp has always been a social boarding environment, offering an alternative to traditional kennels where dogs are housed separately. Our approach provides up to 12 hours of varied play and stimulation each day, always under direct supervision.
Having a variety of approaches in managing the dogs allows the pack to play in harmony. Using multiple different tactics gives each dog more opportunity to spend time in the pack setting, reducing the chances of a dog needing to be separated entirely. It is because of these humane dog management tools that we are able to provide each dog hours of play and freedom in the pack.
To maintain safe and positive pack play, we use a number of well-established practices and tools:
Water spray bottles (filtered water only): Used to redirect or de-escalate non-beneficial behaviour.
Leashes (clip and slip): Used for redirection and refocusing.
Harnesses and long leashes: For dogs with larger “personal bubbles” or trust-building needs, allowing freedom with gentle control.
Breaks from the pack: Dogs may be rotated or rested in stalls, kennels, or on-leash with staff to manage social dynamics.
Machine-washable fabric head cones: Used to calm dogs or reduce overstimulation, especially to minimize mounting behaviour.
DogRook Humane Bark Collars (no shock): This specific brand uses only vibration and sound cues—never pain.
Basket muzzles: Occasionally used as a last resort for safety, while allowing dogs to pant, bark, and drink.
GPS trackers (Tractive): Used during off-leash property hikes for additional safety.
Staff communication radios: Ensure constant and open communication among team members.
Emergency contacts: Every client provides a “Plan B” contact in case Camp is not the best fit for their dog.
All dogs are required to attend an initial tour and assessment before boarding, so owners see the facility and our practices firsthand.
We never inflict pain or harm on dogs in our care. All tools and practices are designed to keep the environment safe while allowing dogs the freedom to socialize and thrive in a pack setting.
Dog Sleeping Arrangements
For over 20 years, we have offered both kennel and kennel-free housing options. During your tour, you’ll see these accommodations, which include:
Overnight Staff: Management is on the property 24/7, so in the event of an emergency, trained staff are always available to act immediately.
Stalls/rooms with built-in bunk beds for 3–4 dogs.
Crates of all sizes for dogs better suited to individual housing.
Filtered drinking water day and night in disinfected stainless steel buckets.
Fresh bedding, washed daily on-site.
Cameras with motion detection, night vision, audio, and intercom features.
Temperature control (heating, AC, and ventilation).
Calm music playing at night.
Morning and evening tidying/refreshing of sleeping areas.
Fire Safety
We maintain rigorous fire safety protocols:
More than 15 smoke/fire alarms, connected to our monitored security system and directly to management’s phones.
Secondary temperature gauges in dog housing areas, also connected to management devices.
Annual inspections by the fire department to ensure all extinguishers meet code.
A staff fire safety evacuation plan posted on site.
These precautions go beyond requirements, ensuring the highest level of safety.
Feeding Procedures
All dogs are fed individually, never in groups. Owners bring their dog’s regular food, regardless of diet type. We have lots of storage available for varying food types; Fridge and freezer space for raw/fresh food diets, while dry foods are stored in sealed, labelled bins.
If a dog hesitates to eat, staff try a variety of safe strategies to entice them to finish their meals. Examples include adding warm water, broth, pumpkin, probiotics, different kinds of treats, or hand-feeding. All adjustments are tracked to note what works best for each dog, when applicable.
Bowls are disinfected after each use in our dishwasher, and the kitchen is cleaned after each meal. We also operate with an industrial water filtration system to provide clean water for both dogs and staff.
Cleaning Routines and Checklists
We follow both daily and weekly checklists to ensure thorough cleaning and maintenance. These include:
Daily checklists covering dog care, cleaning, and organization.
Deep-cleaning checklists for every area of the facility.
Dedicated cleaning shifts separate from dog care duties.
We are proud of our years of experience, our outstanding reputation throughout the GTA (and beyond!), and of all of the work we do every day, caring for dogs. If you have other or further questions about anything at all related to the care of your dog(s), please contact us directly.